Location: Entrance to the New Elizabeth Williams Robinson Hall of Dinosaurs; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a wonderful week. Love & Peace to y’all. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge (previously hosted by Cee Neuner). This week our theme is Which Way Challenge CWWC 2026: Any Which Way with Autumn Leaves [10.02.2026-10.09.2026]. It will run for two (2) weeks. Your Which Ways can be Outdoors, Paved or Unpaved, Dirt Trails or any natural surface as long as they are in the displaying Autumn Leaves 🍂.
Mine are from 2021 and 2022 as the leaves in our area have not as yet displayed their Autumn colours. These were taken at the Fort Mill Access to the Catawba River and the Fort Mill Dam. Feel free to link to Dawn’s Festival of Leaves or other appropriate links.
Here are my entries …
CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge Deb’s Which Way with Autumn Leaves
Click on images to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
Brian from Bushboys Worldhosts a monthly challenge called Last On the Card. His rules are simple to follow if you’re interested in participating.
Here are The rules: 1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 30th or whenever your last photo was taken. 2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate. 3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do 4. Create a Pingback to this post or link in the comments 5. Use the tags The Last Photo and #LastOnTheCard
Here are my contributions …
From my Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max:
Sophia Ruthann attempting to stand without holding on in her new shoes.
The Faires-Coltharp Cabin is one of the oldest structures in York County, South Carolina. This old log cabin is a significant piece of history for the area dating way back to the 19th century.
The Faires-Coltharp Cabin
This historic structure is often referred to as the Jesse Faires House. Jesse Faires was born in 1789 and was a prominent figure in the local community, serving as a Justice of the Peace and a commissioner of roads. His family was among the earliest settlers in the area, contributing significantly to its development.
Faires/Coltharp Cabin
The Faires-Coltharp Cabin is a fantastic example of early 19th-century log construction in the Carolina Piedmont. It’s known for its sturdy hand-hewn logs and a large stone chimney, which you can see on the left side of the photo. It offers a wonderful glimpse into the daily life and craftsmanship of settlers from that era.
Faires-Coltharp Cabin
The Jesse Faires House located on the grounds of the Anne Springs Close Greenway was not originally built at this exact spot. It was originally by Jesse Faires around 1814 approximately three (3) miles from its present location site.
A Close-up of the Sign about the Faires-Coltharp Cabin
This historic log cabin was moved here to ensure its preservation and to share its story with visitors of the Anne Springs Close Greenway. It was relocated from its original site in York County to the Greenway in 1994.
Coleman on the Faires-Coltharp Cabin porch
The Anne Springs Close Greenway is dedicated to preserving natural landscapes and historical structures, making it the perfect home for such an important piece of local heritage.
Location: Faires-Coltharp Cabin; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic rest of your week and weekend ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with w. I appreciate y’all very much.
Location: Unity Community; Gastonia, North Carolina
God Bless. Have a lovely weekend filled with love, joy, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Whenever Coleman and I visit The Schiele Museum of Natural History we almost always walk along The Nature Trail (we only miss it if we arrive too late and it’s already closed).
Coleman Style
at The Schiele Museum
of Natural History
Whenever Coleman and I visit The Schiele Museum of Natural History we almost always walk along The Nature Trail (we only miss it if we arrive too late and it’s already closed).
Walking around the Nature Trail, there are strategically placed benches for one to Pull Up a Seat and rest a spell if desired or needed. On this adventure Coleman pushed his sister, Sophia, along the dirt trail. While walking he came across a bench where he stopped and Pulled Up a Seat keeping the stroller with his sister by his side.
Here’s my contributions of Coleman Pulling Up a Seat …
XingfuMama’s Pull Up a Seat Coleman Style at The Schiele Museum of Natural History
Being a cool early evening on Tuesday, Coleman and I spent some time
outside in the backyard. I relaxed while he played with his bat and balls. Take a look at some of his antics and expressions as you see trios of balls (not all are t-balls).
Thursday Trios Coleman’s Antics & Expressions Playing Ball in the Backyard
Location: Unity Community; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Take a Walk/Hike. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Portraits in Monochrome throughout the years of Coleman (beginning at age two (2)) in all his antics and expressions are what’s on display for this free week of Leanne’s Monochrome Madness.
I do not visit the beach as often as I did in my youth, however, I do have memories of being at the beach with family and friends over the years.
Going back in time to see A vintage family day with my Aunt and Uncle at Springmaid Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Aunt Dalline & Uncle Shorty fishing at the beach.
In 2010, My “children” and I ventured down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to celebrate my daughter’s high school graduation.
In the foreground is my daughter, my sons are behind the wave waiting for the next one.
Moving forward in time to 2017, we (my eldest son and I) take a drive to North Topsail Beach from Jacksonville, North Carolina for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront.
My eldest son, John and myself at North Topsail Beach, North Carolina.
Let’s take a sidetrack from the East Coast Carolina beaches to visit west coast beaches in San Diego County, California.
Sea Lions on the beach at La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, California
Coronado Beach, Coronado, San Diego County, California
Now back to the East coast and our adventures at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Parks Recreation Sports Tourism Truck on Myrtle Beach Ring-billed GullsColeman having a splashing good time. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with my daughter and grandchildren (Coleman & Sophia)
Well, that’s all folks. Till next time have a splendid week filled with love, happiness, and laughter. God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Embrace the adventure with CWWC 2026: Any Which Way – Your Choice! Whether you’re exploring nature trails, navigating indoor staircases, or venturing onto paved paths, there’s a route for everyone. Sign up now and discover your unique Which Way!
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge (previously hosted by Cee Neuner). This week our theme is CWWC (2026): Any Which Way —Your Choice. Your Which Ways can be Outdoors, Indoors, Paved or Unpaved, Dirt Trails or any natural surface. Your Choice is exactly that, Whichever Way you choose. As always Signs are always welcome.
My choices for this week’s Which Way Challengeare naturalized surfaces on The Schiele Museum’s Nature Trail.
Here are my entries …
CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge Deb’s Which Way Challenge
Click on images to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
Welcome back to the Which Way Challenge (previously hosted by Cee Neuner). Last week we explored Outdoor Steps or Stairs. This week we are looking at Indoor Steps, Stairs, and/or Escalators. Anytime you walk into a multiple story building you might have a choice to use the stairs, an escalator, or an elevator. We are only looking at showcasing Steps, Stairs, and/or Escalators for this week’s Which Way Challenge.
Here are my entries …
Billy Graham Library Atrium Health Charlotte, NCColeman on Escalator at Charlotte Airport The Schiele Museum of Natural History Staircase inside the Martinique Hotel NYCIn the Planetarium The Schiele MuseumColeman on Stairs at Captain’s Quarters Resort Myrtle Beach, SCInside Historic Cabin The Schiele Museum CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge Deb’s Which Way Challenge
Click on images to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
Today’s Prompt for the Ragtag Daily Prompt is Cone. Cones, Cones, Cones, let me see how many ways and types of cones I might be able to find. We have orange street cones, Pinecones, maybe ice cream cones; some on the ground, and some in a hand. Cones on roads, some on trails, and even on signs. Coleman likes to bring Pinecones home (but his mom not). What kind of cones do you like?
Dan with No Facilities, the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challengehas started a new series of themes for the Fun Foto Challenge dealing with Where/What/When we do different things. The first week in this new series features Where/What/When We Read.
Here are my selections for this week’s CFFC …
Coleman “reading” at Confluence in Cramerton, NCIn my Glose Digital Library yet to be Read Coleman Reading a Trail Map for Rocky Branch Trail My Brother in his home office with his Books behind him. Coleman during Early Explorers Story-time My son, John, Reading a Trail Map along the Blue Ridge Parkway Remember Reading an actual Phone Book to locate a Phone Number? Cramerton Trilogy by Dixie Abernathy & Warren CramerColeman at Fort Mill’s Scarecrow Crawl Coleman Reading a Storybook Board in Cramerton, NCMy Mom Reading her Bible in San Diego, CABooks in my iBooks Library to be Read Coleman participating in a Story Time Session at the Gastonia Public Library Quiet Reading on the Balcony of a Cruise Ship Coleman reading a Trail Map for ASCGColeman at Early Explorers at The Schiele Museum Coleman at Confluence Children’s AreaRecognize this Author Dan? Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Dan’s CFFC Where/What/When We Read
God Bless. Have a lovely week. Enjoy a walk/hike if possible. Keep Cool. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Coleman looking over a Native American Exhibit in the Henry Hall of the American Indian at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina.
Location: The Farm; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a lovely weekend filled with love, joy, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
The border of are front yard is landscaped with these plants which to me are filler borders used by landscapers to dress up a yard. I never knew they actually flowered until Coleman discovered the tiny macro flowers started to bloom on a few of the plants.
Coleman is holding the leaves back to ensure that I could accurately photograph them. He always points out new blooms to me asking me to take a picture. If he hadn’t shown it to me I probably never would’ve noticed them.
Location: Unity Community; Gastonia. North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Take time to admire the little things in life. Admire the beautiful flowers and how they bloom. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Last week I said I would share where we went via the transit system and what we saw along the trails. To visit last week’s post as Coleman and I traveled on the transit network for our Which Way click here.
Now to let you know where we traveled to on the Gastonia Transit system (aka the bus) to go hiking. Our destination to the Warlick Family YMCA here in Gastonia for a bit of hiking and communing with nature. Here are a few images showing the trails we hiked and what we saw along the way.
CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge Deb’s Which Way Challenge
Click on each image to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
This week Dale has challenged us with the theme of The Ground Beneath Your Feet. This should be interesting and I’m sure everyone will have their own unique spongier the challenge.
The Ground Beneath Our Feet may seem Mundane as you walk upon it and yet it is an extremely complex egosystem containing billions of microbes, shifting tectonic plates. I’m sure the majority of us walk around not giving any thought to the Ground Beneath our Feet. After all it’s just ground that may consist of dirt, asphalt, or concrete; nothing special or remarkable. It is simply Mundane.
Here are my entries …
Dirt Trail Goat Island Park and GreenwayThe Ground’s Green Grass Beneath Coleman in Cramerton The Ground Beneath Coleman Anne Springs Close Greenway Dirt Trail Goat Island Park and Greenway Coleman checking out the GROUND on Dogwood Trail at ASCGColeman Goat Island Playground Baxter Village Trail with Coleman & AlonaBaxter Village Trail with Coleman & AlonaColeman feeling the Ground Beneath at Goat Island Charlotte-Douglas International Airport Playground #CosPhoChal Cosmic Photo Challenge The ground beneath your feet?
Cameras: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max; Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; Canon EOS Rebel T3i; and Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D)
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Be observant of all creatures large and small that call our Earth home. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
A week ago our family had an incident where we needed to Pull Up a Seat and wait by this Door at Atrium Health Kings Mountain. Below are the #Seats we sat in while we waited for #Coleman to be seen.
Location: Atrium Health Kings Mountain; Kings Mountain, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic rest of your week and weekend ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with w. I appreciate y’all very much.
Before get into our adventures let me tell you that one of the reasons we went on our adventure was to give Coleman a special outing before his birthday (today’s his birthday). Coleman turned Seven (7). The first gallery of images show Coleman Pulling Up a Seat while waiting for the Wagon Ride.
Happy 7th Birthday Coleman!
This next gallery depicts Coleman feeding some of the Exotic Animals that came alongside the Wagon we were riding on during our Safari adventure around the Lazy 5 Ranch.
Coleman Feeds Exotic Animals at Lazy 5 Ranch
The last gallery illustrates Coleman feeding Giraffes during the Safari Wagon Ride plus showing a bit more of the Wagon.
Coleman Feeding the Giraffes on a stop during the Wagon Ride at Lazy 5 Ranch
This week is a free week for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness; instead of following her lead on Profusion I am combining my Monochrome Madness post with the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge’s theme of Adventures. I’m sharing a few Black and White images of our Adventures at the Lazy 5 Ranch.
Cameras: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment; Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Location: Lazy 5 Ranch; Mooresville, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic week ahead. May your week be filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
When you think of Castle Windows you probably think of ancient and/or historical castles, however, these windows are in a Castle Playground at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, North Carolina. The Castle Playground is a fairly new playground inside the botanical gardens for children to climb, explore, and basically have an all out Funtime while at the Stowe.
Monday Window Castle Playground Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
On the day Coleman and I were at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden it was extremely hot and humid and we only saw one other child at the playground. Being so hot Coleman only had a short time to play before we moved on to the Tunnel Fountain for him to enjoy some water time.
The gallery of images above show the Castle Windows. The ones gallery below shows what Coleman is looking out the Window at and holding. For an active boy he was skeptical and yet excited to swing out the Window and repel down to the ground.
SIX WORD SATURDAY The Fountain Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Belmont, NC
This fountain at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden looks so refreshing! It is located near the entrance to the Lost Hollow: The Kimbrell Family Children’s Garden. Coleman is having fun playing nearby.
The fountain spray is a powerful, tall column of white, frothy water shooting dramatically upwards. It crests at a significant height before cascading back down, creating a lively splash and ripples in the water below. have loved playing nearby.
Cameras: Canon EOS Rebel 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment
Location: Fountain near Lost Hollow; Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Stay Cool. Stay Hydrated. Spread joy and happiness all around. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). I trust everyone has had a good week and able to spend some time to take a walk or hike in the vast outdoors. This week’s theme is Any Which Way in Black and White On Asphalt Roads or Paved Pathways. In choosing the Black and White theme for this week’s Which Way Challenge I am honouring the memory of Cee’s Black and White Challenge. The Which Way can be any paved pathway, sidewalk, paved trail, or paved road as long as the Which Way is clearly discernible. As always signs are always welcome.
For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
Here are my entries …
Cee’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC) Cee’s Black and White Challenge (CBWC) Deb’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC) Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Click on each image to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
Cameras: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment; Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Location: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Daniel Stowe Conservancy; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Take a Walk/Hike. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
*** Note: Next Week we will be exploring and sharing the theme of CWWC: Any Which Way (Your Choice)[07.24.2026]
Last week I shared the entrance Doors to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; this week I sharing Doors within the Gardens.
Door leading to the Gardens Don’t recall offhand what this was used called William H. Williamson, III Orchid Conservatory William H. Williamson, III Orchid ConservatoryColeman approaching the William H. Williamson, III Orchid ConservatoryDaniel Stowe Botanical Garden Dan’s Thursday Doors
Camera: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Canon EOS Rebel 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250 mm lens
Location: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic rest of your week and weekend ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with w. I appreciate y’all very much.
This week the guest host for Monochrome Madnessis Sue from WordsVisual. She has given us the theme of Figures in the Built Environment. She gives us the opportunity to explore and express our own unique interpretations including using not just people, but also statues. Street art, and/or non-human figures. Therefore, I figured I’d share a variety using her suggestions as a guide.
Here are my entries …
Hendersonville, NCJefferson, NCGermany Spring Market, ASCG Fort Mill, SCColeman next to Veterans Memorial Cramerton, NCThree Soldiers (Aka Three Servicemen part of Vietnam Veterans Memorial National Mall, Washington D.C. Glencairn Garden Rock Hill, SCColeman joining in with the Children’s Sculpture Glencairn Garden Rock Hill , SCColeman In the Children’s Garden DSBG Belmont, NCColeman with Fetch Statue AJSP Lancaster, SCColeman with the Andrew Jackson Statue AJSP Lancaster, SCMy mom, my Aunt & Uncle, and Grandpa Stone Mountain DeKalb County, Georgia Monochrome Madness #64
God Bless. Have a funtastic week ahead. May your week be filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Anyone wishing to join in and participate, please go to the Monochrome Madness page to find out how.
Judy from Life Lessons blog hosts a weekly photo challenge called The Numbers Game.This week’s number is 749. Her instructions for playing along are listed below …
To play along, go to your photos file and type that number into the search bar. Then post a selection of the photos you find under that number and include a link to your blog in Judy’s Numbers Game blog of the day. If instead of numbers, you have changed the identifiers of all your photos into words, pick a word or words to use instead, and show us a variety of photos that contain that word in the title.
Here are my contributions …
Who’s behind the Lattice? Uncle ShortyColeman on the TrailGreenway Horse AlonaPlaying Praying in the Mud Uncle Art & Aunt SophieBabyland General Hospital Cleveland, GeorgiaWatching a PlayMistyLighting of the WaxhawsMallards Uncle MarvinDinner TheatreColeman Lighting of the WaxhawsNew Braunfels Railroad MuseumJudy’s Numbers Game #132-749
God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I look forward to seeing y’all’s pictures forJudy’s Numbers Game. I appreciate y’all very much.
God Bless. Have a lovely week. Enjoy a walk/hike if possible. Keep Cool. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
We are still experiencing extremely high temperatures and humidity. For the past month Coleman and I had not ventured outdoors (mostly my not wanting to be in the heat, Coleman doesn’t care one way or another what the temperatures are like. He prefers the outdoors.) Not wanting to have either of us (especially me) to get overheated and/or dehydrated, we stayed home and indoors (much to Coleman’s displeasure.)
Due to irritability (mostly mine), my daughter insisted we take her car and go visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. She even handed me the cash to cover the entrance fees.
After visiting the Butterfly Bungalow, the Prairie Castle Playground (for Coleman playtime), we walked through the various Perennial Gardens to the Tunnel Fountain. The Tunnel Fountainis a dynamic water arch display near the Canal Garden. It was at the Tunnel Fountain where Coleman found his Reprieve from this summer’s extreme Heatwave.
Coleman enjoy a bit of Reprieve from the Summer Heatwave with Splash-time at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.
Cameras: Canon EOS Rebel 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment; Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Location: Tunnel Fountain; Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Stay Cool. Stay Hydrated. Spread joy and happiness all around. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
[Let me know if you’re not able to view the video.]
Who’s Harebrained idea was it to come here? It is blazing hot in this extreme heat. Why would anyone think a Harebrained idea like this was alright to leave an air conditioned building to walk around sweating would be fun?
Yesterday’s temperature was 90°F with a heat index of 98°F. Not the recommended temps for walking or hiking outdoors. I asked earlier who had the Harebrained idea to go spend time outside in this heatwave. Where did we go?
Coleman and I were sick and tired or being cooped up indoors. We had been avoiding going out into the extreme hot weather we’ve been experiencing. A person go only take so much of being trapped indoors before anxiety attacks. My daughter (having a day off) suggested Coleman and I go out and visit the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. So that’s who suggested the Harebrained idea of leaving air conditioning and visiting the Stowe Gardens.
This are the entrance doors to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden …
Entrance Doors to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Belmont, NC
Location: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic rest of your week and weekend ahead. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with w. I appreciate y’all very much.
It was another extremely hot and humid day in the Carolinas. Despite the heat, Coleman and I ventured out to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to check out the new additions (more on that later), the flowers in bloom, and the Butterfly Bungalow (in a future post).
This is the pathway where we began our adventure towards the Gardens and the Butterfly Bungalow.
Coleman in the Shadows at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Location: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden; Belmont, North Carolina, USA
God Bless. Have a funtastic week ahead. May your week be filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Anyone wishing to join in and participate, please go to the Monochrome Madness page to find out how.
Location: Haigler Loop; Lake Haigler; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina. USA
God Bless. Stay Cool. Have safe and Happy 4th! Happy Birthday America! Have a fantastic weekend. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
I’m a few days behind, lots of stuff going on right now. I started this on time, but needed time to ponder over my thoughts and reflect on Debbie’s One Word Sunday choice of Inspiredfor this week. I may be taking a different approach than some of you in that my train of thought is based on what inspires me.
“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.”
— Aristotle
Quote by Anne Springs Close
As some of you may realize, Coleman and I enjoy (if not thrive) in nature. Nature inspires me to relax, reevaluate, and reflect on my life. It inspires me to strive for peace and calmness in my everyday life. Nature’s Beauty and Stunning Views inspire me to capture it to preserve the memories which I love sharing with others.
“I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”
— Anne Frank
The Jane Spratt McColl Wildflower Meadow A Dedicated Native Habitat Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
The core inspiration for the Jane Spratt McColl Wildflower Meadow is based on a lifelong friendship, native roots, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Wildflower Meadow was designed with the follow key elements:
The lifelong friendship between York County native Jane Spratt McColl and the preserve’s namesake, Anne Springs Close.
The garden was designed to mimic the historical, untamed Piedmont prairies that once covered parts of the Carolinas.
A primary ecological catalyst was creating a controlled habitat specifically optimized to save the Schweinitz’s sunflower, an endangered species endemic exclusively to the Piedmont region of the Carolinas.
The physical layout includes the Path of Honor. It was inspired by a desire to let community members permanently weave their own stories into the landscape. Visitors can dedicate plantings to loved ones, transforming the conservation project into a living memorial.
“To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has its own beauty, and in the same field, it beholds, every hour, a picture which was never seen before, and which shall never be seen again.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Coleman in the Walkway of the Wildflower Meadow
“May your life be like a wildflower, growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day.”
Location: Lake Haigler Entrance; Greenway Gateway; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Commune with Nature. Be inspired by its beauty, serenity. and peacefulness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Fireworks Brightly Bursting the Night Skies Cramerton, NCColeman Sweating in the Hot Sun Cramerton, NCSparkling Fireworks at Myrtle Beach, SCSun’s Rays Shining on the Water Gulf of Mexico Sun’s Bright Rays Myrtle Beach, SCEclipse Sun’s Glistening Light at Murrells Inlet, SCSky or Water? Using a Star Filter Gastonia, NC
Cameras: Apple 14 Pro Max; Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max; Canon EOS Rebel T3i, and Canon EOS Rebel 2000D with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens.
Locations: As stated above.
God Bless. Have a funtastic week ahead. May your week be filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Anyone wishing to join in and participate, please go to the Monochrome Madness page to find out how.
Beth from Wandering Dawgs is this week’s host for the Lens-Artist Photo Challenge with the theme of Subjects Beginning with the Letter ‘B’. We all like to have fun with the variety themes chosen by the various artists who hosts this challenge each week. I hope y’all enjoy my selections.
Here are my entries …
Boy (aka Coleman) sitting on a Branch wearing Blue Jean shorts
Bird on the Beach Bird on the BeachBirds in the Beautiful Blue Sky Subject is BIRDS
BUTTERFLY Limenitis arthemis, aka Red-spotted Purple is a North American Butterfly Belonging to the Brush-footed Butterfly family.
Boy (aka Coleman) on a Bench with a Blue snack Box and a Blue Camouflage Backpack and wearing a Blue shirt
God Bless. Be Happy. Be Cool. Be a Blessing to those around you. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Occasionally, when Coleman and I visit The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, we choose to watch one of Planetarium shows it offers for an extra fee. On this particular we decided to pay the extra fee to watch “Back from the Brink: Saved from Extinction”.
Coleman
On the day we visited Planetarium shows were being offered at 11:15 am, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm. The “Back from the Brink: Saved from Extinction” show we chose was scheduled to begin at the 2:30 pm show time. We walked around the natural trail for about 45 minutes then came back inside to wait for the show time.
Here Coleman has Pulled Up a Seat at one of the tables to wait to closer to the scheduled time to line up for the show.
III Welcome back to another Which Way Challenge (CWWC). I trust everyone has had a good week and able to spend some time to take a walk or hike in the vast outdoors. This week’s theme for the Which Way Challenge is (CWWC): Any Which Way with Blue Along a Trail, Pathway, or Walkway [06.26.2026. The Which Way can be Any Which Way you choose in your along any trail, pathway, or walkway with blue as long as the Which Way is clearly discernible. As always signs are always welcome.
For further information regarding the Which Way Challenge (CWWC) feel free to check out the home page here.
Here are my entries …
Coleman on Trekker LoopColeman on Trekker LoopLake Crandall Anne Springs Close GreenwayTrekker Loop along Lake Crandall Adventure Road Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway Coleman Archers Loop Anne Springs Close GreenwayColeman at Lake Crandall Coleman at Lake CrandallColeman at Lake CrandallColeman at Lake CrandallColeman at Disc Golf Course Coleman on Trekker LoopColeman Archers LoopColeman on Lake Crandall PierColeman on Lake Crandall PierLake Crandall Anne Springs Close GreenwayLake Crandall Anne Springs Close GreenwayColeman on Fern Forest Trail CWWC Cee’s Which Way Challenge CFFC Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge-Crayola Blue
Click on each image to enlarge.
Thank you to those who have participated and supported the Which Ways Challenge. I appreciate y’all sharing your Which Ways with us.
For an idea of other’s Which Ways from this past week’s challenge, be sure to click on the following links below.
Location: Trekker Loop, Archers Loop, & Fern Forest Trails; Adventure Road Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Take a Walk/Hike. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Next Week’s theme: Which way Challenge (CWWC): Any Which Way Along a Dirt Trail (aka with Brown) [07.03.2026]
This week’s Ragtag Daily Prompt of Trail fits perfectly into the activities which Coleman and I enjoy the most. This Trail is one we haven’t hiked in a while, but always enjoyed.
The Piedmont Medical Center Trail (a part of the Carolina Thread Trail system) runs adjacent to the Catawba River in Rock Hill/Fort Mill, South Carolina. The header image is of the Catawba River as seen from the Trail on the Rock Hill side.
The Trail on the Rock Hill side of the Catawba River is predominantly a smooth paved surface trail. The Trail on the Fort Mill side of the Catawba River is a natural surface trail. Coleman and I have hiked the Trails on both sides of the Catawba River. Coleman loves to be near the river, as well as in the river, whenever and wherever possible.
Location: Piedmont Medical Center Trail; Carolina Thread Trail; Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Take a Hike/Walk along a Trail. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Whenever Coleman and I go hiking no matter where we go we can just about always discover swirls. Sometimes they can be swirly lines on bents (piers), or found naturally in nature, or sometimes they can be something simple as a child’s scribbles of swirls and squiggly lines.
Here are a few examples of Swirls we have discovered while hiking.
Swirly lines on a bridge bent Avon and Catawba Creeks Greenway Gastonia, North Carolina
Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)
Yes, Water ripples can be Swirls The Pond; Nature Trail; The Schiele Museum of Natural History; Gastonia, North Carolina
Now for the piece to resistance …
Swirls and Squiggles made by Coleman when he was 3.
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: Lake Haigler Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. May you have a lovely week filled with love, joy, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
Visiting the Anne Springs Close Greenway, sometimes it’s nice to shoot in black and white instead of always in colour. The effects can be just as striking if not more dramatic and impressive.
These first images were taking while hiking along the trail towards and at Lake Haigler.
Lake Haigler Lake Haigler Loop Anne Springs Close Greenway
The next set of images were taken while Coleman was playing on the climbing structure in the Schroering Forest Playground.
Schroering Forest Playground Lake Haigler Entrance Anne Springs Close Greenway Fort Mill, South Carolina
Coleman sitting on the Climbing Structure Repositioning Resting before #PullingUpaSeatDoes Laying on the Structure count? Not exactly Sitting, Oh well. Never know How or When Coleman will choose to Pull Up a SeatColeman #Pulling Up a Seat on the Central Climbing Structure
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.
Location: Schroering Forest Playground; Lake Haigler Entrance; Anne Springs Close Greenway; Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA
God Bless. May you have a lovely week filled with love, joy, and laughter. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.
![CWWC 2026: Any Which Way with Autumn Leaves [10.02.2026-10.09.2026].](https://gfpacificbeeintrospection.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/image-1-1.jpg?w=489)
![CWWC (2026): Any Which Way — Your Choice [08.28.2026]](https://gfpacificbeeintrospection.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/untitled-august-02-2026-at-16.34.18.jpg?w=393)
